The John Day River basin provides the geographical backdrop for camping near Mount Vernon, Oregon, with elevations ranging between 2,800-4,300 feet throughout the surrounding Malheur National Forest. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during daytime hours while dropping to 50-60°F at night. Road access to more remote campgrounds often requires high-clearance vehicles, especially after recent rainfall when forest roads become rutted and slippery.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Strawberry Mountain Wilderness offers multiple trails accessible from Strawberry Campground. "Tons of hiking, including a closer one to strawberry lake with stunning views and a waterfall further if you want," shares one camper. The trails vary in difficulty but reward hikers with alpine lakes and forest views.
Wildlife viewing: The forests and meadows around Mount Vernon host diverse wildlife. At Oregon Mine Campground, visitors can observe wild horses in their natural habitat. "We not only saw Wild Horses, we woke up to them grazing in our camp ground!" reports one camper. Early mornings offer the best viewing opportunities.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide access to fishing spots. The John Day River offers seasonal fishing, while smaller creeks and lakes have trout. "We caught several trout every day and loved how quiet and peaceful the campsite was at night!" notes a visitor to Magone Lake Campground.
What campers like
Natural water features: Creeks and lakes enhance many camping spots. A camper at Magone Lake Campground mentions, "Great lake for swimming, paddling and walking. Ponderosa forest, osprey hunting every evening and resident beavers." These water features provide cooling relief during hot summer days.
Secluded campsites: Many visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere at less-developed campgrounds. "Off the beaten path, but well worth it! Dropped 20 degrees from the hot valley floor. Around 8 spots, first come, but a few other spots on the way up, for dispersed. Right along strawberry creek, beautiful, quiet," writes a Strawberry Campground visitor.
Clean facilities: Even at simpler campgrounds, visitors frequently mention facility upkeep. A camper at Starr Campground noted, "Nice, secluded campground right off the road. Sites 7+ are definitely in a better spot and have more privacy." Most campgrounds maintain vault toilets that receive regular service.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Forest service roads can become challenging, especially after rainfall. A camper at Fawn Spring Dispersed Camping advises, "It's a bit of an uphill drive off 15, but it's a pretty good gravel road." Many campground access roads require careful navigation.
Weather fluctuations: Temperature variations between day and night can be extreme. One Strawberry Campground visitor reported, "We got caught in rain, sleet, snow, and graupel all in one day but that's hardly the campground's fault." Pack clothing for varied conditions, even in summer.
Seasonal accessibility: Most forest campgrounds close during winter months. The higher elevation sites often retain snow into late spring. One of the few year-round options is Grant County RV Park, though winter camping requires appropriate gear and preparation.
Tips for camping with families
Look for creek access: Children enjoy water play opportunities at several campgrounds. At Fish House Inn and RV Campground, families appreciate the "lovely grassy site" with amenities that include "hot showers" and laundry facilities, making extended stays more comfortable with children.
Bring entertainment: Limited connectivity means planning alternative activities. A visitor to Strawberry Campground advises, "I had my 9 year old nephew with me for this trip and was thankful I brought our bikes and games. Since the campground wasn't busy, there weren't other kiddos for him to play with."
Consider site location: Some campsites present natural hazards for small children. "There's a steep drop off next to some sites that goes right into the creek. Keep an eye on kiddos or pick a site farther away from the creek if you're worried about that," notes a Strawberry Campground camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: RV campers should consider specific site layouts. At Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site Campground, a visitor noted, "They have 31 sites with electric and water hook ups. The sites are big enough for both rig and vehicle." This campground accommodates larger vehicles better than forest service campgrounds.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "Site#25 backed up to hwy 26; daytime passing vehicle noise could be loud. Night vehicle noise wasn't an issue," reports a Clyde Holliday camper. Sites farther from main roads provide quieter conditions.
Utility availability: Full hookups are limited to specific campgrounds. Grant County RV Park offers complete services including electric, water and sewer connections, with one visitor noting it's "a nice little park with full hookups! Very clean and Green." Most forest service campgrounds offer no hookups.
